Are you concerned about the rising cost of food? Unsure what the term "certified organic" means? Interested in learning how to grow your own vegetables in a sustainable manner?

Join us for an evening-long workshop on how to grow your own garden. We’ll talk about the basics of soil science, how to enrich your soil to produce healthy, high-yielding plants. Presenters are seasoned MOFGA farmers and gardeners.

Each year MOFGA sponsors this statewide educational event at over 30 different locations in Maine. The workshops are open to the public and to people of all gardening skill and experience levels.

Pink slime not our only icky food additiveKennebec Journal - 3/27/2012.Editorial Opinion by The Los Angeles Times – A century ago, cautious housewives demanded that the butcher grind their beef in front of them so they could be sure he didn't toss in offal or scraps of lower-quality meat. A modern package of ground beef is more likely to come from not one animal but several and probably will include head meat, the esophagus and other internal organs. And, of course, pink slime.

Listening for Maine’s last mooDown East - 3/27/2012.By George Smith – When Agriculture Commissioner Walt Whitcomb started dairy farming, Maine had 2200 dairy farms. In 1991, 600 farmers were still in the dairy business. In 2002, I wrote a sorrowful plea to save the 412 dairy farms still clinging tenuously to their way of life. Last week I asked former Senator and dairyman John Nutting how many dairy farmers we still have. His answer: 305.

Packaging On The PoundsThe Daily - 3/26/2012.by David Knowles. Research says chemical in plastics and cans may contribute to obesity. A controversial chemical used to harden plastics is contributing to the global obesity epidemic, according to new research by a biologist. The claims by leading BPA critic Frederick vom Saal come as the Food and Drug Administration is expected to rule this week — after four years of study — on whether to ban the plastic additive from use in food packaging.

6:30 p.m., Bernard Osher Foundation Auditorium, Portland Museum of Art. Hear Christy Hemenway from Gold Star Honeybees, Heather Spalding, MOFGA deputy director, and Fedco Seeds founder CR Lawn talk about our pollinators and the national and local issues that concern them and our food supply. Maine honey and mead tasting to follow. A Community Collaboration between Portland Museum of Art and MOFGA. Free for PMA and MOFGA members ($10 for the general public). Schedule and details.

6 to 9 p.m. Classes held in locations throughout Maine to give gardeners the skills and knowledge to transition from conventional to organic gardening. Registration: typically $5 to cover handouts. Information with class locations.

Locations: Common Ground Education Center in Unity with Jen Ries, or College of the Atlantic in Mount Desert with C.J. Walke. Learn to propagate and reproduce your favorite fruit tree varieties. Participants graft trees to take home and plant. $50 per person. Information and registration.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., East Sangerville Grange. Presented in partnership by East Sangerville Grange, Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District, and Maine Highlands MOFGA Chapter. Speakers will cover topics of interest to both gardeners and commercial farmers. Doors open at 9:30. Light lunch will be provided. For directions go to www.grange.org/eastsangervilleme177/ or call Erin Callaway at 343-0171. RSVPs appreciated to make lunch planning easier.

9 a.m. to the afternoon, MOFGA’s Maine Heritage Orchard in Unity. We'll start with a demonstration on how to plant a tree. All ages are welcome. Bring a shovel, lunch, friends and kids. No charge. FMI: MOFGA.org or apples@mofga.org.